Marley Eternit answers call of DIY SOS: The Big Build

The latest episode of ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ has been supported by Marley Eternit, after the company supplied its JB CitiDeck solution to the project free of charge.

‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ – a special for the BBC’s charity Children in Need – saw the team work to renovate a Victorian house into a new, much needed, young carers’ facility in the legendary seaside resort of Blackpool.

The Blackpool Carers Centre project is the show’s biggest charitable build to date, and was headed up by renowned interior designer Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen. Over the course of just 10 days, the project involved completely renovating what were two separate homes, while also incorporating the landscaping of the building’s one-acre of wild garden.

The team called upon Marley Eternit to help in the construction of a circular decking area installed in the grounds of the centre. Measuring 25m² and with a circumference of over 15m, JB CitiDeck in a robust oak finish – with its smooth profiled boards, which feature two non-slip inserts – was installed.

Charlotte Hughes, Product Manager at Marley Eternit, explains more about the project and why Marley Eternit was delighted to help out. She says: “Giving back to the community is something which is important to us as a business. So, the chance to be involved in such a huge project for BBC’s Children in Need was a fantastic opportunity.

“After spending some time learning more about the project, and the great work the Blackpool Carers Centre provides to young children and their families, our JB CitiDeck was the perfect choice as it not only exceeds the HSL’s anti-slip testing guidelines, it is also an incredibly durable solution ensuring that the decking area will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Michelle Smith, CEO of Blackpool Carers Centre, added: “We sincerely thank DIY SOS, BBC Children in Need and everyone else that has been involved. We are astonished by the efforts of the team, businesses who have donated materials and volunteers – the support has been beyond what we could have ever imagined. This renovation will enable us to help improve the lives of more children and young people with caring responsibilities who are in need of our support both now and in the years to come.”

The new build also incorporates a child-friendly kitchen and open plan play spaces, as well as a woodland garden adventure and an allotment, providing a safe a supportive environment for the young carers to enjoy a bit more child-time.

The episode of ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ Children in Need special aired on BBC on 17 November 2016.